Counterfeit Accusations Put China Regulator in Spotlight

SAIC Flexes Muscle in Fight With Alibaba Over Fakes

BEIJING—Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s public fight with the Chinese government over fakes is putting a spotlight on a little-known but increasingly aggressive regulatory agency that is seeking greater sway over the country’s vast e-commerce market.

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce this week posted a white paper on its website that accused Alibaba of allowing the sales of counterfeit goods on its website, as well as tolerating bribery, the sale of illegal items like weapons and other violations. The Chinese...